Faith's Blended Diet and Other Things that Help with Her Digestion

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This page contains affiliate links and Faith's Mom may earn a commission if you use them. As an Amazon Associate, Faith's Mom earns from qualifying purchases.  Learn more.   Ever since Faith was born, she has struggled with her digestion. When she was in the NICU, she would spit up after eating even the tiniest amount of formula. Her dad and I were convinced her tummy was too small to handle large volumes of food. Sometimes when she ate, her heart rate would drop really low, which is why she needed to be in the NICU for longer. She just could not get the hang of eating and breathing at the same time!  Faith receiving food through an NG tube in the NICU.  Grandma giving Faith a bottle when she was 2 months old.  After finally bringing her home, eating continued to be an issue as she struggled with severe reflux and constipation. We tried various formulas, but she was never able to drink enough formula to gain a lot of weight. She also had trouble burping, and she...
2 comments

Faith's Integrative Music Sessions

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This past Sunday at church I noticed Faith singing along to the chorus with a little more gusto than she has in the past. She seemed a little more confident and really projected her voice once she caught on to the words that were being sung.

I must admit, listening to her sweet voice singing the words, "He is faithful, He is glorious, He is Jesus, all my hope is in Him. He is freedom, He is healing right now" was enough to cause tears to stream down my face. Later after thinking about it, I realized that part of her new-found confidence in singing probably has something to do with the integrative music sessions she has been doing with a music therapist.
Faith playing the xylophone

fun with shakers

Every couple of weeks, Jonnica comes into our home and spends about 30 minutes with Faith singing songs and playing instruments. I know how much Faith likes music so I was pretty sure she would enjoy doing this, but an added bonus is that the music therapist also does worship at her church so she and Faith like the same kind of music! 

While Jonnica does fun songs with Faith like The Popcorn Song, Ravioli and The Shaker Song, they also sing songs like "This Little Light of Mine" and "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands."

The great part about this music therapy is that while it is super fun for Faith, it also helps her work on things like motor skills, cognition, communication, visual and auditory skills. Besides bringing instruments like shakers, bells and the xylophone for Faith to play, Jonnica also brings flashcards with letters, numbers, words and colors. One of Faith's favorite parts though is getting to play Jonnica's pretty red guitar.
working on more than just music

Of all the cool instruments, this is Faith's favorite!

We've only really begun the integrative music sessions this year, but I am already noticing differences in Faith and how it is helping her. I'm just as excited as Faith is about this type of therapy and who knows maybe she'll be helping to lead worship one day at church!

Click on the video below to hear Faith and Jonnica's good-bye song.



Comments

  1. bedaacrs@yahoo.comApril 2, 2014 at 6:16 AM

    Dear Cari,
    Faith is just the most beautiful little girl. I have never heard exactly what she has for a handicap is it spina bifida or CP or something else? It is only important to me when I tell others about youtwo it is good to have the facts straight. I can't wait to meet her sometime!
    Hugs,
    Betty

    ReplyDelete
  2. Cari JeanApril 2, 2014 at 7:21 PM

    Hi Betty, she was diagnosed with CP at 6 months of age. Blessings to you!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Angel The AlienApril 5, 2014 at 9:44 PM

    Music therapy looks like so much fun! I am in favor of any type of education or therapy that really engages kids, gets them excited, and enriches their lives!

    ReplyDelete

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